Mister Magic

Jr. Grover Washington

This 1975 release is a masterpiece of soul jazz, with keyboardist Bob James providing the arrangements for Grover Washington's emotive saxophones. James's opening "Earth Tones" has Washington playing soprano over a weave of percussion and electronics that suggests the influence of Miles Davis's electric fusion work, while "Passion Flower," a beautiful ballad by Duke Ellington's composing partner, Billy Strayhorn, has Washington's soprano backed by rich strings. His tenor is potent and soulful on the punchy version of "Mr. Magic" and funkier still on the James-Washington collaboration "Black Frost." Eric Gale turns in some superb guitar solos, and the studio band, anchored by taut backbeats from bassist Gary King and drummer Harvey Mason, is first-rate. --Adam Rains

Mister Magic Album: